Mardaani 3 marks the return of Rani Mukerji as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, a character that has become synonymous with grit, moral clarity, and quiet strength. The film opens on a powerful note, instantly pulling viewers into a dark and unsettling crime world. The intent is clear: this installment wants to feel raw, urgent, and socially relevant. For the first half, it largely succeeds.
However, as the story progresses, the film struggles to maintain the same intensity it establishes early on. While the performances and technical aspects remain solid, the narrative begins to feel stretched, affecting the overall impact.
Rani Mukerji Once Again Owns the Screen
Rani Mukerji is undeniably the backbone of Mardaani 3. She slips into the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy with remarkable ease, bringing both authority and emotional restraint. Her performance is controlled yet powerful, proving once again why this franchise works primarily because of her presence.
She does not rely on loud heroics or exaggerated action. Instead, her strength lies in subtle expressions, firm dialogue delivery, and an unwavering moral compass. Even when the screenplay falters, Rani’s screen presence keeps the audience invested.
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A Dark and Relevant Story With Familiar Beats
The story of Mardaani 3 revolves around a disturbing crime investigation that touches upon real societal fears. The film attempts to balance realism with cinematic tension, especially in the early portions. The atmosphere is grim, the stakes are high, and the antagonist is positioned as a genuine threat.
Yet, the narrative arc feels familiar. If you have watched the previous Mardaani films, many plot developments seem predictable. The film does not take enough risks in its storytelling, choosing instead to follow a safe and tested structure.
Strong First Half, Weaker Second Act
One of the biggest issues in this Mardaani 3 movie review is the uneven pacing. The first half is gripping, sharp, and focused. The investigation unfolds with urgency, and the tension builds naturally.
After the interval, however, the film begins to lose steam. Scenes feel repetitive, and the screenplay starts circling around the same ideas without adding new layers. What could have been a tightly packed thriller slowly turns into a stretched narrative, reducing the emotional punch.
Direction and Technical Aspects
The direction remains sincere and grounded. The filmmaker clearly understands the world of Mardaani and respects its serious tone. There is no unnecessary glamour, and the film avoids commercial distractions.
Cinematography complements the dark theme, using muted tones and realistic settings. The background score enhances tension without overpowering scenes. Action sequences are raw and believable, staying true to the character-driven nature of the franchise.
Supporting Cast and Antagonist
The supporting cast does a decent job, though most characters are written in a functional manner rather than being deeply explored. The antagonist starts off as menacing and impactful, but as the story progresses, the character loses some of that initial threat due to predictable writing.
A stronger psychological depth for the villain could have elevated the film significantly.
 Worth Watching, But Not the Strongest in the Franchise
Mardaani 3 is a film with honest intentions and a commanding lead performance. It starts strong, creates the right atmosphere, and delivers impactful moments. However, the sluggish second half and familiar storytelling prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.
If you are a fan of the Mardaani franchise or admire Rani Mukerji’s performances, this film is still worth a watch. But for viewers expecting a consistently gripping thriller, Mardaani 3 may feel like a missed opportunity.
